Abstract: Devices for monitoring a bioreactor are configured for in-situ or ex-situ analysis. Noise from polarization dependent loss is addressed with a polarizer and reference photodetector for detecting a swept wavelength signal from a tunable laser spectrometer after transmission on a optical fiber but before a sample detection region.

Abstract: A method and system for studying cell viability and protein aggregation. In one aspect, the method relies on speckle information to analyze cells or other structures present in a fluid. A probe for measuring in situ structures includes a tip section having a sample detection region and a camera provided with image sensors.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a bioreactor is configured for in-situ analysis, e.g., by NIR, without the need for withdrawing a sample into a sample cell or into an ex-situ arrangement. The device can be inserted into a port of the bioreactor and provides a sample detection region defined by an optical element such as a lens and a photodetector. The electrical signal obtained from a photodetector that is part of the device can be directed to an analyzer via a detachable electrical connection.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a bioreactor is configured for in-situ analysis, e.g., by NIR, without the need for withdrawing a sample into a sample cell or into an ex-situ arrangement. The device can be inserted into a port of the bioreactor and provides a sample detection region defined by an optical element such as a lens and a photodetector. The electrical signal obtained from a photodetector that is part of the device can be directed to an analyzer via a detachable electrical connection.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a bioreactor is designed for in-situ analysis, e.g., by NIR. The device is configured for maintaining a sample detection region in the reactor medium and can include two or more components, at least one of which is fabricated additively. In an example, a light beam propagates along a free space optical path, passes through a thin 3D printed layer and traverses the sample detection region, where it becomes modulated or modified by interactions with analytes present in the bioreactor. The transmitted light reaches and passes through another thin 3D printed layer and is detected by a photodetector, internal to the device. The electrical signal from the photodetector can be directed to an analyzer via electrical connections. The device or a component thereof can be designed for single use applications.

Abstract: A process conducted in a rocking bioreactor is monitored using a flexible bag fitted with an in-situ probe. The probe includes a disposable bag insert or patch and a reusable probe module. The patch is secured to a wall of the bag, and the probe module is a detachable part that can be mated to the bag patch, then disassembled for future use, for example. The patch is secured to the bag, defining a sample gap, and the probe module is inserted or mated with the patch. The probe module includes one or more source elements and one or more detector element. Light is transmitted from the source elements, through the sample gap, to the detector element(s), which detect the light after interaction with contents of the bag.

Abstract: An in situ probe, comprising reusable and disposable components, can be employed to measure cell viability in a rocking bioreactor.

Abstract: A method for studying cell viability and protein aggregation involves establishing a Fabry Perot etalon signal within an optical spectroscopic feature, e.g., in the near infrared region. Protein aggregation and cell viability can be reflected by changes observed in the magnitude of the Fourier Transform peaks observed in the frequency or space domain associated with the contrast of the etalon. In short, the presence of viable cells and protein aggregates can degrade the etalon contrast of an etalon window. In some cases, the concentration of cells and monomeric protein can be measured as well.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a bioreactor is configured for in-situ analysis, e.g., by NIR, without the need for withdrawing a sample into a sample cell or into an ex-situ arrangement. The device can be inserted into a port of the bioreactor and provides a sample detection region defined by an optical element such as a lens and a photodetector. The electrical signal obtained from a photodetector that is part of the device can be directed to an analyzer via a detachable electrical connection.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a bioreactor includes a sample tube for withdrawing a sample from a bioreactor into a sample cell and elements for analyzing the sample, in the NIR region, for example. Collecting and releasing the sample from and into the bioreactor is conducted using a peristaltic pump that is operated as a reversible/reciprocating pump. A sterile filter separates sample cell tubing from tubing connecting to the peristaltic pump.